Michelle Obama Focuses on Family (Not Feuding) on The View

Video courtesy ABC Michelle Obama made sure there were no fireworks while making her debut on The View Wednesday. Some political observers had predicted the wife of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama might clash with the show's famously conservative co-host, Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

In fact, Obama, 44, quashed any chance of that early on – reaching out and clasping hands with Hasselbeck, 31.

"This girl, she's solid," said Obama, whose husband appeared on the show in March. "She's got great kids, she's a great mom, she's funny. So I can disagree with her on a whole range of points. We can still come back again tomorrow."

Obama (who the night before appeared with her husband at a fundraiser in the Manhattan home of designer Calvin Klein) and the TV chat fest's queen bee, Barbara Walters, entered the set arm-in-arm, as co-hosts Hasselbeck, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar and Sherri Shepherd followed. Once seated, Obama exchanged fist bumps with everyone.

"It is now my signature bump, but I'm not that hip," Obama said. "I got it from the young staff."

The conversation was free-ranging, from whether she wears pantyhose (she doesn't) to whether Barack still takes out the trash (he doesn't). The talk also touched upon Obama's sometimes-controversial image, with the clip shown of her saying, "For the first time in my adult life, I'm really proud of my country." Critics had contended it meant she's not patriotic.

Obama said the quote – which is usually reprinted without the word "really" – has been misinterpreted. "I'm proud of my country without a doubt," she said. Earlier this month, First Lady Laura Bush defended Obama to ABC News. Obama said she has since sent her a thank-you note, which she agonized over.

She was definitely a hit with her View co-hosts. "If you've got some free time, come back with us," Walters told her.